How to install Netflix Kodi add-on [Sep 2021]

The Netflix Kodi add-on offers a convenient way to access Netflix’s extensive catalog of movies and TV shows directly on Kodi. This add-on is compatible with Kodi 19 Matrix and Kodi 18 Leia.

Netflix add-on is not officially developed by Netflix itself, but it offers a lot of great features like access to multiple profiles, recommendations, library integration, watched status synchronization, high-resolution playback (on supported devices), Up Next add-on integration to play episodes continuously, and more.

In this guide, we’re going to install the unofficial Netflix add-on on Kodi. Please note that this add-on requires a Netflix account. Let’s begin.

If this is the first time you install add-ons on Kodi, you’ll have to allow the installation of unofficial add-ons. Please read How to allow 3rd-party add-ons on Kodi and come back here when you’re ready.

Downloading the repository zip file

First, let’s download the repository zip file for Netflix from its official source on Castagnait’s GitHub page.

1. Go to Castagnait’s GitHub page, scroll down and download the appropriate file for your Kodi version.

Kodi 18 Leia users should download repository.castagnait-1.0.1.zip.
Kodi 19 Matrix users should download repository.castagnait-1.0.0.zip.

Installing CastagnaIT repository

The repository is responsible for installing and updating the add-on. Let’s use the file we’ve just downloaded to install the repo.

2. Press the cog icon near the top left corner of the Home Screen to open the Settings menu.

3. Select Add-ons.

4. Press Install from zip file.

On Kodi 19, you’ll see a message about the auto-update feature. Press Yes to proceed.

5. Locate the downloaded file and click on it to install the repository.

Installing Netflix add-on on Kodi

Now that the repository is installed, let’s use it to install Netflix and its dependencies.

6. Select Install from repository.

7. Click on CastagnaIT Repository for Kodi to open the repository.

8. Select Video add-ons.

9. Now Select Netflix.

10. Press the Install button.

11. You’ll see a list of dependencies to be installed with the add-on. Press OK and wait until the process is finished.

12. Go back to the Home Screen, highlight the Add-ons tab, and select Netflix to open the add-on.

We have installed Netflix on Kodi but we still need to set up an account.

Setting up your Netflix account

When you open the add-on for the first time it’ll launch its configuration wizard.

13. Netflix requires the InputStream Adaptive add-on, you’ll be prompted to install it now. Press Yes to continue.

14. You must enter your Netflix credentials, select E-Mail/Password.

15. Type your email.

16. Now enter your password.

Log in problems and Authentication Key method

Sometimes, unexpected changes on the Netflix website can cause log-in errors when using the addon. If you get the “Incorrect Password” message, you’ll have to use the Authentication Key method.

To use this method, you must download and run a small script on your computer. The script will open a web browser and it’ll ask you to log into Netflix so it can capture the authentication key on a file and also a 4-digit PIN.

You’ll have to use the generated file and PIN to log into Netflix with the add-on. Go to the addon’s wiki on Github to download the script and follow the instructions.

Some antivirus may falsely identify the script as malware, you can read more about it here.

Using the Netflix add-on with Kodi

Now we are ready to use the add-on.

17. Select a profile.

18. Use the addon’s main menu to navigate the categories and choose a movie or show.

Netflix uses a special encryption protocol to play 1080p and 4K videos, if your device supports this protocol you’ll be prompted to install the Widevine CDM add-on and you’ll be able to watch high-resolution videos. Some Android boxes are not Widevine certified and will only play 540p videos.

Playing HD videos on Netflix

Netflix requires a Widevine L3 certified device in order to play 4K videos, if your device is certified you do not need to follow these steps. Devices without a Widevine L3 certification are restricted to 540p videos.

That being said, some Android devices are Widevine L1 certified and can actually play up to 1080p video from Netflix, but for some reason, they are still restricted to 540p. If your device is marked as “Google Certified”, chances are you’ll be able to play Netflix in HD.

To get better stream quality on Widevine L1 certified devices, you must edit the serial number (ESN) of your device.

I. Highlight the add-on (do not press it), open the Context Menu and select Settings. (Long-press or use the C key to open the Context Menu)

II. Go to the Expert tab, scroll down to the Advanced Add-on Configuration section and press ESN / Widevine settings.

III. Press Change ESN and edit it following the instructions below, then press Apply changes now to save.

An ESN has the following structure:
Prefix – Group – Device Model – System ID –

The ESN on your device may look like these examples:

NFANDROID2–PRV-0–XIAOMITV-MSP0–XXXXX–
NFANDROID–PRV–MITV-MSSP1-XIAOMITV-MSP1–XXXXX–
NFANDROID2–PRV–KM6-VS==KM6–XXXXX–

Change the prefix to NFANDROID1 and the group to PRV-0, our examples will end up looking like this:

NFANDROID1–PRV-0–XIAOMITV-MSP0–XXXXX–
NFANDROID1–PRV-0–MITV-MSSP1-XIAOMITV-MSP1–XXXXX–
NFANDROID1–PRV-0–KM6-VS==KM6–XXXXX–

This will work on most Widevine L1 certified devices. Android boxes without any certification are still restricted to 540p.

Troubleshooting

“Title not available to watch instantly” error

To solve the “MSLError: The title is not available to watch instantly. Please try another title.” error, try using the Force Widevine security level option.

Open the add-on Settings, go to the Expert tab, scroll down and select ESN / Widevine settings as shown in the previous section.

Instead of manually editing your ESN, press the Reset button > select Force L3 > and press Apply changes now.

“Request blacklisted by exchange service” error

Some devices have a fake Widevine L1 certification and might return a “Request blacklisted by exchange service” error message. In this case, you can try using the Force Widevine security level option with fixed id.

Open the add-on Settings, go to the Expert tab, scroll down and select ESN / Widevine settings as shown in the previous section.

Instead of manually editing your ESN, press the Reset button > select Force L3 (ID 4445) > and press Appy changes now.

More info:

• Netflix Kodi add-on on GitHub.
• Netflix add-on on Kodi’s official forum.

Looking for more add-ons? These are some of our favorite Kodi add-ons for September 2021.

Please visit our list of the best Kodi add-ons for more information.

	The Crew: Free and premium sources. Very popular add-on with many extra features like live sports and more. (Kodi 19 Matrix & 18 Leia)
	The Oath: Free and premium sources. Great add-on based on Exodus. (Kodi 19 Matrix & 18 Leia)
	Seren: Premium sources. Excellent add-on with great user interface and many innovative features. (Kodi 19 Matrix & 18 Leia)
	Venom: Premium sources. Very popular add-on with great features. (Kodi 19 Matrix & 18 Leia)
	Elementum: P2P sources. An excellent add-on that offers high-quality streams using torrents. (Kodi 19 Matrix & 18 Leia)